By Nom - 15 September 2023
Khao Lak: Ultimate Guide & Things To Do
Khao Lak is an excellent choice for families or couples looking for a laid-back relaxing holiday with beautiful, untouched stretches of white sand beaches and lush tropical rainforest reaching right down to the beach.
Khao Lak is located just North of Phuket and is one of Thailand’s most appealing mainland beach destinations. Base yourself in this quiet beach resort and explore all the delights this part of the Andaman Coast has to offer.
‘Khao Lak’ refers to a 20km stretch of white-sand beaches with a series of small villages. There is no town called ‘Khao Lak’, This long stretch of coast extends from the bottom of Ban Nam Khem, right to Khao Lak Lam Ru National Park.
As this stretch of coastline hasn’t witnessed the same level of development seen in nearby Phuket or Krabi it is consequently much quieter with a laid-back atmosphere and it’s home to some amazing hotels.
With its long stretches of soft, golden beaches, fringed by swaying palm trees Khao Lak provides an idyllic setting for sun-soaked days and romantic sunset strolls. Most beaches have rock formations of various sizes and shapes interspersing the sand. The water is perfect for swimming or paddling and there are also watersports available, including skim boarding and SUP boarding, leading to the area being widely known as Thailand’s ‘Surf Town’.
Khao Lak is also the gateway for trips to The Similan Islands, renowned for their vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life, a paradise for snorkellers and divers.
Beyond the beaches, lush rainforests and waterfalls this region offers opportunities for adventurous exploration, while the charming local markets and authentic Thai cuisine provide a delightful cultural experience. Whether you're yearning for relaxation on the sand, underwater adventures or cultural immersion, Khao Lak welcomes you with open arms, promising a memorable and rejuvenating escape.
Best Time to Visit
Khao Lak
Khao Lak is a year-round destination with something to offer everyone. The best time to visit Khao Lak depends on your budget and preferences as well as the weather.
The best weather in Khao Lak is during the northeast monsoon season running from November to February bringing less humidity and rainfall, making the weather more pleasant. However, it is also the busiest and most expensive time so book well in advance to get the best deals.
The southwest monsoon season typically starts in April, when a stream of warm moist air from the Indian Ocean moves inland, resulting in significant rain. March to October is the wet season with more rain and fewer tourists, so it is a good time to visit if you’re looking for cheaper deals however, be aware that some resorts and restuarants may be closed June - August.
If you’re looking for great deals try the 'shoulder seasons' - March to May or September to November.
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How To Get To
Khao Lak
Khao Lak is conveniently located approximately 60km north of Phuket International Airport making flying the easiest way to get there. From Phuket International Airport it is only a 90-minute drive to Khao Lak. Alternatively, you can also fly into Krabi Airport and take a taxi or bus to Khao Lak.
Check private airport transfer and ground transfer (to Phuket / Krabi) prices here.
Where To Stay In
Khao Lak
With a series of small villages stretched over 20 km of beautiful coastline it can seem daunting to choose where to stay.
Broadly speaking the three main areas of Khao Lak are Bang La On, Bang Niang, and Khuk Khak.
Bang La On is the most developed area with many resorts and tourist facilities.
Bang Niang is a bit more laid-back and North of Bang La On.
Khuk Khak is the most rural of the three villages, North of Ban Bang Niang.
On Khao Lak South Beach you will find the Lam Kaen area which is the original Khao Lak village, south of the Khao Lak mountain.
For a quiet getaway choose Ban Bang Niang, Khuk Khak or Lam Kaen.
Further North there are 3 more areas considered to be within the Khao Lak region.
Right after Khuk Khak you will enter Pakarang, mainly a fishing village with some resorts and the popular Pakarang Cape and Pakarang Beach.
The villages of Pak Weep and Bang Sak are just beyond Pakarang and have the most secluded beaches. THey are are much smaller than Ban La On, Bang Niang or Khuk Khak, but they offer a more authentic Thai experience. Stay in Pak Weep or Bang Sak if you like it quiet and don’t mind spending most of your time at a luxurious resort.
We stayed at The Khao Lak Merlin Resort which was absolutely amazing. The Khao Lak Merlin Resort is an award wining natural eco resort where the rainforest meets the sea.
The resort is set in an enchanting rainforest and no trees were removed during building.
There is an abundance of wildlife here including birds, water monitors and slow loris. Guided nature walks place place within the hotel grounds early morning and at night for a chance to glimpse stunning birds and the nocturnal Slow Loris.
Our kids loved the Khao Lak Merlin Resort as it is set right on the beach so there's the option of pool or beach. There's a small games room for kids with a pool table, dart board and board games.
The Stamp Ralley was fun family activity and we learned more about the plants and wildlife in the gardens.
Find out more about this leading eco-resort and check availability here.
We were extremely lucky to see four Slow Loris on a night walk and we had a tree frog visit our room!
There's lots of space here and no stampede for sunbeds.
Popular Things To Do In Khao Lak
Khao Lak offers a diverse range of activities for visitors seeking a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Away from the stunning beaches Khao Lak offers multiple active and unique experiences.
Khao Lak is the gateway to the Similan Islands, offering world-class diving and snorkelling opportunities with vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.
The surrounding National Parks, such as Khao Sok and Lam Ru, provide opportunities for jungle trekking /hiking and waterfall excursions, allowing nature enthusiasts to explore the lush landscapes and encounter local wildlife.
Visitors can also enjoy boat trips to the nearby Surin Islands or embark on a memorable bamboo rafting adventure along scenic rivers.
With its combination of natural beauty and outdoor activities, Khao Lak caters to a wide range of interests, making it a captivating destination for travellers in search of both tranquility and excitement.
Explore over 50 tours with validated reviews. Hotel pickup included, multi-lingual guides and free cancellation
For great airports transfers check these guys out
Popular Things To Do In Khao Lak:
Keep your travel plans flexible, all of these tours come with free cancellation and you can reserve your spot now and pay later.
Khao Lak already has everything you need for a wonderful holiday but you can take it to the next level with a unique adventurous experience blending activities for those who love peaceful rafting and exciting ATV rides. We have completed both the one hour and two hour ATV Adventures and had the most amazing fun travelling through plantations, rainforest and tracks!
These are both unique experiences that combine adventure and nature - perfect for entertaining teenagers.
1. Bamboo Rafting & ATV Adventure in Khao Lak
Immerse yourself in the ultimate fusion of nature and adventure with a River Tubing experience in the Kapong District of Southern Thailand. Explore untamed landscapes, drift along serene rivers on an inflatable tube and conquer the rapids with a thrilling River Tubing Adventure.
We enjoyed a unique experience that combined adventure and nature - perfect for entertaining teenagers.
Discover the perfect blend of tranquility and adrenaline - Read our Blog here!
For more information and to book your River Tubing Adventure click here
2. Kapong River Tubing Nature Tour
The Similan Islands, a group of 9 granite islands, located in the Andaman Sea off the western coast of Thailand, are renowned for their pristine beauty and vibrant marine life. These tropical gems are part of the Mu Ko Similan National Park.
The Islands are world-famous and best known as a divers and snorkellers paradise. It’s one of the best diving sites in the world offering crystal-clear waters and an underwater wonderland filled with colorful hard and soft coral reefs and diverse marine species including colourful fish, rays and sharks.
Above the waterline, the islands boast stunning white sandy beaches framed by lush vegetation, creating a picturesque backdrop for visitors.
Most excursions leave from Tablamu Pier by large speedboats and the crossing takes about 70 minutes. On a slow boat, it will take 3 hours.
Keep in mind, the Similan Islands National Park opens from mid-October until Mid-May. Outside this period, the park is closed.
The best way to get to the islands is by booking a trip locally or online, trips usually include a full-transfer service from your accommodation to the Similan Islands and back.
3. Similan Islands - Divers & Snorkellers Paradise
A great place to visit to see turtles up close is the Royal Naval Sea Turtle Conservation Centre which is actually located inside the Thai Navy base at Taplamu. You can easily drive yourself here, like we did or book a well-organized tour with a knowledgeable guide. Most tours to the Sea Turtle Conservation Center are child-friendly and often include relaxing bamboo rafting, visiting and feeding elephants, and/or a visit to a nearby waterfall. You can book one of these small-group half-day tours and be assured of an unforgettable experience!
The Conservation Centre is run by Royal Thai Navy staff and volunteers and its aim is to protect turtles and help them to thrive by looking after sick and injured turtles and releasing healthy turtles back into the sea. Older and sick turtles are cared for permanently as they couldn’t survive on their own.
Children love being able to see many turtles of various ages and sizes and learning about their life cycles and how important it is to care for the environment.
You will also find the wreck of the T 215 boat which has been preserved as a memorial to those that lost their lives in the 2004 Tsunami. It is not quite as well preserved as the famous Police Boat T813 in Bang Niang.
4. The Sea Turtle Conservation Centre
The beach here is stunning and hosts sculptures of a whale and a turtle each full of plastic bottles that have been collected on the beach.
The Sea Turtle Conservation Center is worth a visit, but don’t expect a lot of activities to do here. You will likely spend 30-60 minutes here. It’s a great place to observe tiny and full-grown sea turtles. Children are always excited to see them!
You can either book a package tour or incorporate some of the nearby DIY activities below if you are looking for something else to do after your visit.
There are toilet facilities and a café on site.
Open every day 08.30 – 16.30. Entry fee THB60 per person.
If you drive yourself there you will be required to stop just inside the security gate and to sign in. One person from the group will be required to leave their passport, Thai ID Card or driving license which can be collected on exit.
If you prefer a guided tour, check out the options available here and combine with other experiences.
There are several places in and around Khao Lak where you can have an up-close ethical experience with elephants, Thailand’s national animal.
Most places offer Special “Care Programs” which are designed for tourists to have a wonderful meet-and-greet with elephants without breaking ethical rules or harming them.
Some places also offer a bathing experience with these giants, though this activity isn’t banned, it is not considered ethical. It is a personal preference which type of activity you participate in. Whichever you choose you will have a fun, unforgettable experience getting up close and personal with elephants feeding them from the palm of your hand.
There are several half-day or full-day tours you can choose from which combine an elephant experience with other popular activities including hotel pick-up and drop-off. You may choose to add bamboo rafting, The Sea Turtle Conservation Centre or a waterfall for a refreshing dip!
If you want to have an unforgettable experience with these giants – you are not alone! Everyone agrees that elephants are amazing and intelligent creatures. Explore your options here.
5. Khao Lak Elephant Experience
Khao Sok National Park including the magnificent Cheow Larn Lake is an incredibly beautiful and vast place to visit. The rainforest here is estimated to be over 160 million years old, one of the oldest on the planet.
Khao Sok is a must-see place if you are looking for a true tropical jungle experience including exotic wildlife, caves, waterfalls and hikes to amazing viewpoints. The raw natural beauty and serenity cannot be explained in words or video, it is somewhere that has to be experienced. There is a magical energy surging through the area that touches your soul which is why visitors rate this area so highly.
The vast rainforest spans 739km2, including the impressive man-made 169km2 “Cheow Larn” lake. The towering limestone cliffs, the spectacular lake, the abundance of wildlife and the overall serenity is what makes this area precious.
Khao Sok is home to rare flora and fauna, such as hornbill birds, gibbons, and elephants. It is also home to Asian Black and Sun Bears but sightings are rare. You will be able to spot exotic wildlife during an early morning or evening safari.
While there are fantastic day trips to Khao Sok, you cannot really fully immerse yourself in the wonderous beauty of the area. You can explore and compare one day and multi-day trips and book online here.
6. Khao Sok National Park and Cheow Larn Lake
There are several multi-day packages available as it is recommended to stay at least one night. You can choose to sleep on the lake in a floating bungalow or stay in an amazing rainforest treehouse or lodge. Whichever you choose, waking up with the sounds of exotic wildlife is really something special and being surrounded by nature will relax and calm your mind.
Spending a night on Cheow Lan Lake is a wonderful experience. Explore the lake with your complimentary kayak and enjoy a refreshing morning swim from your floating bungalow deck before a delicious Thai breakfast.
The easiest and most convenient way to experience Khao Sok is to book a recommended tour which includes transfers.
There are several different tour options available each with unique highlights.
You can also find specific night safaris or cooking classes.
Browse all Khao Sok National Park recommendations here.
Whichever experience you choose you will fall in love with Khao Sok and wish you could stay.
7. Full-Day 3 Temple Tour Including Dragon Cave, Bang Riang & Monkey Cave or Bang Tong
Visit three Thai Temples that most visitors rarely get to see. From Khao Lak you can book a tour including three of the four temples described here usually including lunch here.
Dragon Cave Temple (Wat Praya Nakarach) is a stunning natural wonder that has captured the imagination of many visitors. Its beautiful and otherworldly interior, coupled with its fascinating history and cultural significance, makes it a must-see destination for anyone who loves exploring unique and beautiful places.
Dragon Cave Temple is actually a monastery and a place for meditation. It features an impressive limestone cave with huge stalactites built high up into a rocky limestone hill and you’ll find a very special atmosphere that is perfect for meditation and reflection.
Read more about Dragon Cave Temple in our Blog here
Monkey Cave Temple (Wat Suwan Khuha) is a hidden gem that beckons to be explored by adventurous travellers. This ancient cave temple is a mesmerizing fusion of natural wonder and cultural heritage and is most famous for its 15m long Golden Reclining Buddha and its playful macaque monkeys.
Read more about Monkey Cave Temple in our Blog here
Wat Bang Tong (Wat Maha That Wachiramogkol) This temple is famous the 95m high golden chedi the Phra Mahathat Chedi considered to be the highest in southern Thailand. Inside the chedi we were amazed at the intricate detailing adorning all of the walls and high ceilings. Surrounding the chedi on all four sides there is a square of covered walkways with various Buddha images. Outside, there are 2 large statues: one of a standing Buddha and one of the revered monk Luang Phu Thuat.
Photographs cannot accurately record the impressive scale of the golden pagoda.
The entrance fee is THB50 and you can hire a sarong or shawl if you are not dressed respectfully.
We spent an hour exploring the pagoda and surrounding grounds.
Wat Bang Riang (Wat Rat Uppatham) Situated high up on a mountain this large and spread out temple complex with breathtaking views and numerous unique points of interest is well worth the visit. From the car park there is a short walk up a steep hill to the entrance. You will see a large bell shaped Chedi which is called “Phra Mahathat Chedi Phutthathambanlue”. The base of this massive Chedi is surrounded by golden Buddha images. Inside the temple is just as impressive as the outside, so don’t forget to go in and have a look around. The entrance fee is THB40 and you can hire a sarong or shawl if you are not dressed respectfully.
On the right hand side of the temple is a large viewing area where you can take in the stunning scenery of Phang Nga and the remarkable images of “Kwan Yin” and the massive seated Buddha further in the distance.
Kwan Yin is the Goddess of Mercy or Compassion and is very popular in Thailand because she is said to bring good luck. Just beyond the image of Kwan Yin is yet another impressive image, this image is of Phra Nak Prok a large Golden Buddha which is in a seated position under the seven headed serpent Naga.
Whilst the views of the surrounding mountains are absolutely stunning from the top, to fully appreciate the size of both these structures you will need to take a walk down the stairs. The climb back to the top is rather strenuous, especially the last section as the stairs are quite steep, but well worth the effort.
We spent an hour or more wandering around the temple and the grounds and we highly recommend it to other travellers.
When visiting a Buddhist temple, it's essential to dress modestly and respectfully. This means covering your shoulders, knees and midriff.
Reserve your preferred 3 Temple Tour now and pay later, with free cancellation - click here
Wat Bang Riang Phra Ubosot Ruea Supan Hong - Just below Wat Bang Riang we found an amazing "Suphannahong" boat shaped temple which is definitely worth a short stop to admire this unusual structure.
The royal barge "Suphannahong" is known world-wide as a symbol of Thailand with both religious and royal meanings.
8. Explore The Charm & Cultural Heritage of Takua Pa
North of Khao Lak is the charming little old town of Takua Pa which remains undisturbed and not commercialized in the way places like Phuket's Old Town are, allowing you to experience the true Thai way of living.
Takupa Pa is full of history and is a small well-preserved local community with several beautiful and colorful Sino-Portuguese-style houses.
In the Takua Pa area there are many things to do and see such as The Sunday Street Market, Sino-Portuguese Shop Houses, Chinese Shrines, Buddhist Temples, Tsunami Memorial and Museum, The Little Amazon, Boong Soong Iron Bridge, Tuangrat Tao Sor Cake Factory, Bang Mara Hill and The Dredger Cafe.
See our Blog with the best things to see in Takua Pa here
Find out more about a Cultural Tour to Takua Pa here - reserve now and pay later with free cancellation.
This National Park is a much-visited nature reserve named after the mountains Khao Laken and Lam Ru. It is a small park covering an area of 125 km² and it is popular for its hiking trails, waterfalls and sandy beaches. It is also home for many species of flora and fauna. The park is home to various interesting mammals, over 170 species of birds and many reptiles and amphibians.
The park is spilt into two areas, the coastal zone with the Nature Trail and Small Sandy Beach and the inland zone with the popular Ton Chong Fa Waterfall.
9. Khao Lak Lam Ru National Park - Hat Lek Nature Trail - Hat Lek Beach (Small Sandy Beach) - Ton Chong Fa Waterfall
Find out more about The Best Waterfalls In Khao Lak in our Blog page here.
10. James Bond Island, Panyee Island and Kayaking Lod Cave – Phang Nga Bay
These three famous attractions are usually included in extremely popular organised tours running from Phuket and Khao Lak and receive hundreds of visitors every day.
If you are staying in Khao Lak and have your own transport, you are fortunate enough to be able to arrange your own private longtail boat tour from Phang Nga which may be budget friendlier with the added advantage of being there earlier and beating the crowds.
If you have your own transport you can drive to a small village-run local pier and hire a local boatman to take you on a tour of Phang Nga Bay visiting James Bond Island, Panyee Island and Lot Cave. You can be at James Bond Island at 08.30 opening time and beat the crowds. The pier is approx 70km from Khao Lak.
We arranged our trip a couple of days before with Hanah Tour and we had an entire long-tail boat for THB 2,000. (Can take up to 10 persons) This was cheaper for us than an organised tour. Be aware though that if self-guiding you will need to pay the National Park entrance fee of THB300 each at James Bond Island and kayaking fee of THB300 each. If you require lunch at Panyee Village you will need to pay for this yourself. Hanah Tour can be contacted on whatsapp +66933906568.
If you prefer an organised tour with Khao Lak hotel pick-up and drop-off included.
James Bond Island is one of the most iconic islands in Phang Nga Bay, and the one most people like to visit. The island is so named as it featured in the 1974 James Bond movie ‘The Man With The Golden Gun’.
James Bond Island, or Tapu Island as it is known locally, is a tall and narrow limestone island shaped like a nail ("tapu" means nail in Thai). This shape was formed by millions of years of erosion by the ocean at its base, resulting in the nail-shaped island we see today.
It is a beautiful and unique place to see, and it is predicted that the island might soon collapse due to the ongoing erosion at its base, so check it out while you can.
At James Bond Island, you will also find the leaning mountains or Khao Phing-Kan, two pieces of massive rocks leaning and supporting each other, creating a small cave you can walk in between.
Panyee Island is another island that is a must visit in Phang Nga Bay, and it is unlike anything you've seen before in Thailand. Panyee Island is an old Muslim community of around 1,600 people descended from 2 seafaring families that came from Java in the 18th Century.
Within the same period that they migrated here, the law that limited land ownership solely to people of Thai national origin went into effect, and in order to evade that, the community started building houses on stilts and continued to expand into the bay.
There is an entire community of over 360 families, complete with a mosque, school and football field all built on stilts. You will be astonished strolling around the maze that is the crisscrossing streets of Panyee Island. Where you will find restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops.
Some of the caves are extremely low and you will need to lie flat on your kayak in order to pass through. The most exciting part was passing through an extremely small opening in pitch darkness to emerge into a small, quiet cavern illuminated by sunlight through the ceiling.
Lot Cave is another popular attraction in Phang Nga Bay.
Lot Cave is a collection of small caves that barely surface above the water under a large limestone mountain. It is a popular place to go kayaking around and slide under these caves, full of amazing stalactites.
This unique 18 hole mini golf is straight off the set of an Indiana Jones movie. The course trails its way through jungle vegetation and temple ruins with distinctive & creative obstacles.
The entry is dominated by an ancient temple wall which features a seated Buddha with a waterfall cascading from a four metre height.
The Maze is a labyrinth of hedges and pathways, meandering back and forth with hidden nooks & crannies, where you can rest in comfort admiring the flora and fauna, while you catch your breath and try to work out how to escape.
Whether you’re a hardcore minigolf fanatic or just looking for a fun way to spend time while on vacation, KhaoLak Mini Golf is the place to be. Bring your family, bring your friends – it’s great outdoors entertainment for everyone, suitable for all ages!
11. Khao Lak Mini Golf & Maze
Ton Pling Waterfall is a great little waterfall at the South end of Khao Lak. The best thing about this waterfall is that it is very easily accessible right next to the parking area without the need for a hike through the rainforest to get there. We walked from The Khao Lak Merlin Resort, a distance of 1.3km.
Once you cross the highway the road is small and quiet and there are lots of different types of flowers and birds to enjoy as the road gently ascends to the waterfall.
There is a small waterfall drop and cool clear water cascading over numerous boulders. You can take a dip in the water and climb over the rocks for photographs. We recommend wearing water shoes and be careful as the rocks are slippery.
It is quiet and peaceful here with lots of lush greenery all around.
12. Ton Pling Waterfall
Find out more about The Best Waterfalls In Khao Lak in our Blog page here.
The T813 Police Boat and Tsunami Memorial Garden serve as a poignant reminder of the devastating events that unfolded on 26 December 2004.
The 60 tonne - 80 foot long boat was at anchor some 2km offshore when the tsunami hit and was thrust 1.2km inland to its current location, a stark testament to the overwhelming force of nature that claimed thousands of lives that fateful day.
The T813 Police Boat, now preserved as a memorial, commemorates the brave efforts of the Thai police and other emergency responders who played a crucial role in the aftermath. It stands as a silent witness to the indomitable spirit of the people of Khao Lak in the face of tragedy, offering a place for reflection and contemplation for visitors from around the world.
You will also find the modern mausoleum erected in memory of the victims. The yellow marker at the top of the pole shows how high the wave was in this area – 10m.
At the edge of the park there is a small kiosk which serves as a free ‘museum’. The couple running the stand are very friendly and will share their photographs with you. Be aware that the photographs become very grim towards the back of the albums.
Back towards the main road is the International Tsunami Museum which we chose not to visit – Entrance fee THB300. The museum consists of two rooms on the ground floor, which show photos of the scale of the tragedy. Upstairs there are videos playing in different languages with interviews from people who have lost loved ones. Finally, there is a book where you can leave your thoughts and blessing for those impacted by the tragedy.
You only need to spend an hour here and you can easily walk here from most hotels in the Bang Niang area.
13. Police Boat T813 and Tsunami Memorial Park
Watching the sunrise at Samet Nangshe viewpoint in Phang Nga is a stunning experience. The viewpoint offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Phang Nga Bay, with limestone karsts rising from the water and mangrove forests, creating a picturesque scene.
Samet Nangshe Viewpoint is a 78km drive south from Khao Lak. It is north of Phuket over the Sarasin Bridge. You can get there from Phang Nga by motorbike, rental car or taxi.
Sunrise is the best time for photographs although at any time of day the view is spectacular.
Read our complete guide everything about Samet Nangshe viewpoint
14. Samet Nangshe Viewpoint
If you want to see all the possible day and multi-day trips for Khao Lak, Khao Sok and surrounding areas, click here to discover more than 50 Khao Lak tours and book them at low prices, with hundreds of verified reviews, hotel pickup included, from multiple local tour agencies with free cancellation if you change your mind.
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